Ooredoo Group hosted a groundbreaking conference at Georgetown University in Qatar to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The event, themed “From Telegraphs to Terabytes: Exploring the Legacy and Future of Global Connectivity,” brought together global telecom leaders, policymakers, digital experts, and students to discuss the future of connectivity.
The conference began with an introduction from Sheikha Haya Alwaleed Al-Thani, Senior Regulatory Analyst at Ooredoo Group, and welcoming remarks by Dr. Gerd Nonneman, Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University. The event’s first session, opened by Ooredoo’s Group Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Governance Officer, Hilal Bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, emphasized the priorities of the future, including closing the digital divide, ensuring equitable access, and responsibly harnessing AI. Al Khulaifi stressed the importance of connectivity in empowering communities and ensuring resilience in an increasingly digital world.
In a video message, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin outlined the organization’s mission to provide meaningful connectivity to all and accelerate inclusive digital transformation worldwide.
The first panel, “Envisioning the Future of Global Connectivity,” featured experts including Robert Laws from Georgetown University, Mark Brownscombe from Ooredoo Group, and Suresh Rajendran from Ooredoo Fintech. Discussions focused on the transformative power of 5G, satellite internet, and quantum networking, along with the importance of multi-sector collaboration to create a secure, inclusive digital future.
Richard Majoor from Detecon International presented on “Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Next Generation of Connectivity,” sharing insights on how AI is revolutionizing network management while raising important ethical and operational challenges.
The final panel, moderated by Sheikha Haya Alwaleed Al Thani, addressed “Connectivity in Times of Conflict: A Lifeline for Crisis Management.” Panelists included Osama Qawasma from Ooredoo Palestine, Helen Mason from Child Helpline International, and Caroline Masboungi from UNICEF. They explored the role of telecoms in crisis management and how networks can remain secure, reliable, and inclusive during emergencies.
The conference concluded with a powerful message: as digital development progresses, it must prioritize inclusivity, ethics, and human-centered values to ensure it benefits all.
